Monthly Archives: May 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to build a bigger and better Bendigo Hospital, with an extra $102 million committed in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget to bring its total investment to $630 million.

Minister for Health David Davis said the extra $102 million would deliver a new hospital to Bendigo and improvements in health care for Victorians living in Bendigo and the region.

“The hospital will have 372 new acute inpatient beds, 10 new operating theatres, a new Integrated Regional Cancer Centre on the main campus, a mother and baby unit, a headspace facility, additional beds as well as research and education facilities,” Mr Davis said.

The funds deliver on key election commitments to expand capacity and improve current health services.

“The government will deliver a world-class health facility for Bendigo and district families with a $630 million investment in 21st century facilities,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Davis said the Integrated Regional Cancer Centre on the main campus would boost the treatment available in Bendigo and reduce the need for patients to travel to Melbourne.

The Coalition Government is funding a major expansion of Victoria’s health service capacity by delivering 800 additional beds, 100 of which will be delivered over the next 12 months.

“More beds will provide Victorians with the health and hospital care that they deserve by improving the effectiveness of patient flow within hospitals, particularly the movement of patients being treated at emergency departments,” Mr Davis said.

The Coalition Government is investing over $2.5 billion in additional funding in the budget to build capacity in the health system across Victoria over the next four years, with a number of programs to benefit Victorians living in and around Bendigo including:

$56 million for the rural capital support program;

$35 million across Victoria this year for the medical equipment replacement program;

$20 million this year for the hospital infrastructure renewal program;

Mr Davis said the Budget demonstrated the Coalition Government was delivering on its election commitments.

“Despite severe financial challenges left by the former state Labor Government and the Gillard Government’s cuts to GST, this budget will help us build a healthier Victoria, maintain an increase in health services and provide greater transparency and choice for Victorians,” Mr Davis said.

Stage 2 of the Bendigo Hospital Project includes the construction of a 65 metre, 2 storey, air link bridge over Arnold Street. This will link the helipad and car park, which is currently under construction, with the new hospital building. more »